Major CBD Closures and Concert Traffic to Cause Significant Thursday Delays

Significant Congestion Expected for Ed Sheeran Concert

Adelaide commuters and residents should prepare for a challenging afternoon and evening on Thursday, 5 March 2026. The city is bracing for a massive influx of visitors as global superstar Ed Sheeran performs at Adelaide Oval for an expected crowd of over 55,000 fans. Consequently, major road closures and traffic restrictions will be in effect throughout the North Adelaide and CBD precincts, beginning as early as 10:00 am.

Key road closures include War Memorial Drive, which will be shut between the Riverbank Footbridge and King William Road for the majority of the day. Late-night commuters will face even more significant disruptions; between 10:15 pm and midnight, King William Street northbound lanes will close between Currie Street and North Terrace. Simultaneously, King William Road, Sir Edwin Smith Avenue, Victoria Drive, and Pennington Terrace will be inaccessible to general traffic to allow for safe pedestrian egress from the stadium. Drivers are strongly advised to avoid the northern edge of the CBD after 2:00 pm and seek alternative routes such as West Terrace or the Hackney Road corridor.

Metropolitan Roadworks and Infrastructure Updates

Outside of the concert zone, several major arterial routes are undergoing essential maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. Night works are continuing on Greenhill Road, with resurfacing crews active between Hallett Road and Mount Lofty Summit Road. While most of this work is scheduled for off-peak hours, some lane restrictions may linger into the early morning commute. In Athelstone, Gorge Road remains subject to embankment rectification works between Clement Road and King George Avenue. Motorists should anticipate lower speed limits and intermittent lane closures in this area.

The North-South Corridor remains a focal point for construction, with major surface-level activity ramped up in the southern and central precincts of the Torrens to Darlington (T2D) project. While South Road remains open, commuters should be alert for shifting lane configurations and heavy vehicle movements around Clovelly Park and Glandore. Additionally, night works on Torrens Valley Road between Cuddlee Creek and Gumeracha will continue, with full closures in place between 7:30 pm and 6:00 am.

Public Transport and Regional Alerts

Adelaide Metro has announced free public transport for all Ed Sheeran ticket holders starting from 2:00 pm today. This includes all regular bus, train, and tram services, as well as dedicated Adelaide Oval Express (AO and AOX) buses. However, regular commuters should note several temporary stop closures, including stops on Blackburn Avenue, Henderson Avenue in Pooraka, and Yatala Vale Road in Fairview Park due to ongoing local roadworks.

On a regional level, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport is reassessing several outback tracks today following recent heavy rainfall. Many unsealed roads, including sections of the Mintabie Road and the Oodnadatta Track, remain closed or restricted to 4WD vehicles due to ponded water and soft surfaces. Travelers heading north of Port Augusta should check the latest outback road reports before departure.